FRI. 18TH JULY, 2014 PIWC - SUNYANI DAILY DEVOTION TOPIC: THE VIRTUE OF PATIENCE 2 TEXT: Luke 21:19 NKJV By your patience possess your souls. EXPOSITION We thank God for today. As promised yesterday, I want us to look at the Biblical interpretation for patience. The Bible, however, praises patience as a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22 ) which should be produced for all followers of Christ. Patience reveals our faith in God’s timing, omnipotence, and love. Although most people consider patience to be a passive waiting or gentle tolerance, most of the Greek words translated “patience” in the New Testament are active, robust words. Consider, for example Hebrews 12:1, “Therefore since we also are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” (NKJV). Does one run a race by passively waiting for slow-pokes or gently tolerating cheaters? Certainly not! The word translated “patience” in this verse means “endurance.” A Christian runs the race patiently by persevering through difficulties. In the Bible,patience is persevering towards a goal, enduring trials, or expectantly waiting for a promise to be fulfilled. Patience does not develop overnight. God’s power and goodness are crucial to the development of patience. Colossians 1:11 tells us that we are strengthened by Him to “great endurance and patience,” while James 1:3-4 encourages us to know that trials are His way of perfecting our patience. We see in the Bible many examples of those whose patience characterized their walk with God. James points us to the prophets “as an example of patience in the face of suffering” (James 5:10 ). He also refers to Job, whose perseverance was rewarded by what the “Lord finally brought about” ( James 5:11 ). Abraham, too, waited patiently and “received what was promised” (Hebrews 6:15 ). Jesus is our model in all things, and He demonstrated patient endurance: “Who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb12:2). We shall continue from here God willing tomorow. Until then stay blessed and enjoy a blissful weekend. PEACE SHALOM! FURTHER STUDY Hebrews 12:1-3 IT PAYS TO BE PATIENT STILL REMAIN RAPTURABLE
Posted on: Fri, 18 Jul 2014 06:07:04 +0000
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